Plastic crates have become a ubiquitous tool for transporting and storing goods of all kinds. Whether being used to haul produce, stack retail inventory, or organize warehouse items, plastic crates provide durable and affordable solution for businesses large and small. In this article, we will explore the many advantages of plastic crates and why they have become such a go-to product for shippers and retailers.
Durability and Strength
One of the biggest advantages of plastic crates is their impressive durability and strength. Plastic crates are designed to withstand the rigors of industrial shipping and storage environments. They are highly resistant to weather conditions like rain, snow, heat and cold. They can also withstand impacts and dents better than cardboard or wood crates. This durability means plastic crates maintain their structural integrity over many uses, reducing replacement and waste.
The materials used to manufacture plastic crates, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), make them very strong for their lightweight design. They can safely hold hundreds of pounds of cargo without breaking or buckling. This strength-to-weight ratio is perfect for applications that require frequent lifting, loading, unloading and stacking of full crates.
Corrosion and Rust Resistance
Unlike metal containers, plastic crates are highly resistant to corrosion and rust. This protects the contents within from potential contamination. It also means plastic crates will maintain their like-new appearance for years, with no need for protective coatings. The material is impervious to water, chemicals, acids and other corrosive substances that could damage other crate materials.
This corrosion resistance makes plastic crates well-suited for industries like agriculture, food/beverage, chemicals and more that involve moisture, washing or sanitizing of crates. It also means plastic crates can be safely used in outdoor environments without degradation.
Lightweight and Easy to Handle
Despite their strength, plastic crates are remarkably lightweight compared to metal or wood alternatives. This easy portability is a big advantage, allowing one person to safely lift and load a fully packed crate with less strain or risk of injury. It also reduces shipping costs since more crates can be transported per load.
The lightweight nature of plastic crates makes them perfect for applications that require frequent moving and rearranging of inventory. Retail stores, fulfillment centers and more appreciate how plastic crates can be quickly and easily moved by hand.
Affordability and Low Lifecycle Costs
Not only are plastic crates relatively inexpensive to purchase upfront compared to other crate materials, they also provide significant long-term cost savings over their lifespan. As mentioned earlier, their exceptional durability means plastic crates can be reused hundreds of times before needing replacement. They require no upkeep or maintenance like painting, waterproofing or repairs.
When factoring in replacement and maintenance costs, plastic crates actually end up being much more affordable than crates with shorter lifespans. This reduces total operational expenses for shipping and fulfillment businesses. It also lessens environmental impacts by minimizing crate waste generation over time.
Customizable and Versatile Designs
Plastic crate manufacturers offer an extensive array of stock and customized crate sizes, dimensions, colors and features. Common options include divider panels, label holders, drainage holes, stacking frames, nesting/interlocking designs and more. This allows companies to configure crates optimized for their unique application, content and inventory needs.
Further, plastic crates' moldable material allows for logos, part numbers and other identification to be directly imprinted into the structure. This promotes easier traceability, organization and branding compared to stickers or labels on other surfaces. Their versatile modular designs also make plastic crates compatible with automated conveying and sorting systems.
Environmentally Friendly Nature
As the global push for sustainability accelerates, plastic crates demonstrate compelling environmental advantages over alternatives. Their durability means each crate has a long usable lifespan before disposal, reducing waste generation. Plastic crates are also lightweight, saving on fuel and emissions during transportation. Many varieties are made from recycled HDPE too.
At end-of-life, plastic crates can usually be recycled into new products again. Some companies offer take-back and recycling programs as well. Overall, plastic crates embody the ideals of the sustainable circular economy through optimized reuse, minimal waste and recycled content.
Conclusion
Whether considering durability, ergonomic benefits, affordability or environmental impacts, plastic crates present a very compelling value proposition for modern businesses. Their versatile designs paired with long product lifecycles create an efficient and eco-friendly shipping solution. It is no surprise that plastic crates have become one of the default choices for product protection, transportation and storage needs across industries worldwide.